Dana wrote:
> Oh no- say it ain't _so_ Skip! If this is true, I'm in deep, deep,
> trouble, 'cuz I _suck_, which means not only am I a sloppy slobby
> skier, I suck worse than I _think_ I do! (No _wonder_ I've never
> broken the 20 handicap barrier at a NASTAR- and here I always thought
> that it was 'cuz the pacesetters were sandbaggin' :-)
So take some lessons already! And try locking your heel to your
ski -- you'll be amazed at how much easier it is! <VBG>
If you'll forgive the deliberate use of suckful hyperbole, I would like
to stand by the concept of the statement. I first started suspecting
this phenomenon back in my sled doggin' days, whence the
occasion arose to stop someone in over their heads... they almost
invariably had no idea. And most instructors I know will confirm
that at many mountains -- not all -- Americans typically think their
skills are at least one skill level higher than they actually are.
Now that's not to say that this characteristic extends broadly to
this list, the denizens of which are so tough and experienced that
they'll hand-over-hand their way up a lift cable if the lift ain't runnin',
and ski a heavy frost in October with the appreciation they'd show
for a January powder day. No. We're talkin' the casual
recreational skier here... and it really is amazing to watch the diff
when different nationalities come through... our busiest weeks for
ski school programs are at times with heavy concentrations of UK
and CDN skiers in residence.
There IS an inculturation in other countries of the idea that one
takes lessons repeatedly and regularly when one visits a ski area...
lots of Canadian kids came up through the Nancy Greene Leagues,
among other programs. This type of program tends not to be seen
much in the States. You see it in seasonal programs at the resorts
-- and these programs produce some outstanding skiers -- but as a
rule, us 'Mericans like to get the basic idea of the way something
works and then play with it on our own. Cult-chah, y'see.
And I do think there's something to be said for inculturating the
idea that regular lessons are good idea -- even if it's "informal" -
such as skiing with buds much better than you.. ones who also
know how to teach. Part of the problem, I think, is that historically
ski lessons have been such a hassle and such a potentially
embarrassing experience that people have avoided 'em. Larger
mountains are working hard to fix that... hopefully, they'll let their
guests know that things ain't like they always wuz. We sure try to
do that.
skip
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